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February 1, 2017: The Re-Beginning of Good News
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Dear <<First Name>>,

After a few months of hiatus from our weekday devotions, I have opened up enough margin in my schedule to begin anew. Thanks to those of you who have encouraged me re-begin our daily time reflecting on God's word together. The spiritual community is strengthened when share our lives around the God's word. So let's get started on this first day of February. 


“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” Mark 1:1-5, NAS95.


As we commence in our reading of the good news according to Mark, let me encourage you to first look at the above verses and go through them as your "Sacred Reading," simply reading a few times slowly to let the Holy Spirit highlight His words to you. 

The longer I walk with Jesus, the less I am really wanting from Him. Like a meal at a fine restaurant, I have learned to enjoy the connoisseur quality over buffet quantity. Jesus healed more with a word than with sermons. When His Spirit speaks simply, it echoes throughout our whole being. Seek for less from Jesus that produces more of His life in yours.

I am struck by the first words...The beginning... There is a definite starting place in the Lord. Sometimes it is a re-beginning. These times are usually preceded by some messenger that you do not expect. A spouse, a friend, a podcast, or even an unfollower of Jesus. The message may sound strange but it begins to answer the ultimate questions of our hearts. "Come." "Turn." "Be Forgiven." "Meet your Savior." This is the simple good news. ...And so they came to tell there wretched story and exchange it for a new one.  


Enjoy today's reading. 

Wednesday

Love, 

Pastor Stuart

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